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Somerset director of cricket Andy Hurry said: "Over the last few days, cricket has been over shadowed by a very dark cloud.

"There has been an understandable amount of emotion, deliberation, varying degrees of language and opinions across the game, the public and the various media platforms all associated with the alteration to the condition of the ball by Cameron Bancroft during the Third Test in Cape Town.

"Cricket Australia, following their investigations, have offered sanctions to those involved.

"We as a club have been monitoring this process closely, alongside gathering as much additional information as we can.

"I have spoken numerous times to Cameron since last Saturday, he has spoken very maturely, he shared his deep regret and apologised to everyone associated to the club.

"It’s important we remember there is a young man at the centre of all this, he made a poor choice, as I and I’m sure many of us have done during our lives.

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"What’s important now, is Cameron is given the appropriate support. There is no doubt in my mind, he will learn from this and he will return stronger.

"I have met this morning with the CEO, club captain and head coach and with the club’s best interests at the centre of our decision can confirm Cameron Bancroft will not be our overseas player for the 2018 season.

"We are currently undertaking the process to recruit a replacement overseas player that best fits our needs and will share an update in due course."